Healthier energy drinks

Alternatives with less sugar, coloring, and preservatives

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Most varieties of so-called energy drinks contain excessive amounts of sugar and caffeine.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AQUARELLE/FLICKR

There are so many energy drinks on the market, but
they all seem very high in sugar, coloring, and preservatives. Are there
any natural versions that offer a healthier kick-start? Energy drinks constitute one of the fastest-growing
sectors of the soft-drink market across the U.S. and around the world, with
some 500 new varieties introduced in recent years. Most are far from
healthy. Besides containing excessive amounts of sugar and caffeine, which
alone can be dangerous to those with diabetes or heart conditions, many
also feature a battery of supposedly beneficial herbal supplements
(taurine, guarana, and ginseng) that have not been proved to increase
energy and may actually sap energy, being detrimental to bodies overloaded
with new and unfamiliar stimuli. “Most of the energy drinks contain
high-tech-sounding ingredients that are not controlled substances, of no
value, and potentially harmful” in large amounts, says sports
nutritionist Cynthia Sass. “The amount of the stimulants is not
always listed on the label, and even when the information is listed it is
hard for consumers to interpret because we are not familiar with these
ingredients.” Sass recommends good old-fashioned water as the best
alternative to energy drinks. Rehydrating is a great way to stay alert and
to move other nutrients through the body. Other tried-and-true ways to
increase energy include maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular
physical activity and, of course, getting a good night’s sleep. But what about those times when you really need a
boost? Yerba mate tea, which is derived from the yerba mate plant, which
naturally contains caffeine, as well as other natural stimulants, is a
popular choice. Perhaps part of the reason some people swear by it is that
its brewed leaves contain theobromine — also found in cocoa —
an alkaloid known to help elevate the mood. Boosters of the drink say it
also helps strengthen the immune system, relieve allergies, and aid weight
loss. Not a straight tea drinker? Brewed yerba mate, which
has an earthy flavor that some call an acquired taste, is sold commercially
not just as tea but also blended in lattes, coffees, and energy drinks.
Guayakí (products available at Safeway, Wegmans, 7-Eleven, and
elsewhere) is one of a handful of companies paving the way for yerba mate
in the U.S. The company sells flavored versions with a hint of cane juice
to sweeten it up for otherwise sugar-addicted American consumers. Another take on healthy energy drinks comes from a
handful of companies selling products with vitamins and nutrients instead
of caffeine to give drinkers a kick. Zipfizz is a powder that can be mixed
in with water and contains a combination of vitamins and minerals that
provide the body with electrolytes, antioxidants, and vitamin B-12, among
other natural, immune-strengthening nutrients. Eniva Vibe, also packed with
vitamins and minerals, is another popular new entry into the
healthy-energy-drink market. As with anything you consume, your mileage may vary,
so to speak, so experts advise going slow at first to make sure a drink
agrees with you. If all else fails, remember that you can always just go
take a nap. For more information:
Cynthia Sass, www.cynthiasass.com; Guayakí, www.guayaki.com; Eniva
Vibe, www.enivamembers.com/vibe_index.aspx; Zipfizz, www.zipfizz.com.Send questions to Earth Talk at P.O. Box 5098,
Westport, CT 06881 or e-mail earthtalk@emagazine.com.